Epidemiology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Early February 2015, while Ebola cases decreased markedly since December 2014, the number of Ebola community deaths
(ECD) in Conakry showed no decrease, although all Ebola riposte activities were deployed. A study was then conducted
on ECD trends, history of contamination and disease, seeking for health care and social reaction. Trends in Ebola cases, deaths
in Ebola clinics and in community, and statistics of calls to the Ebola free hotline in Conakry (N°115) were analyzed. For
all ECD between 1st January and 12th February 2015, a descriptive analysis was conducted from investigation reports. The
number of ECD remained stable at 5/week since week 50 2014. During the study period, the number of calls to N°115 ranged
880-1100/week, with 8% concerning ECD. Twenty seven ECD were reported, with 78% biologically confirmed and 74% with
safe and dignified burials; 89% of the deceased were unidentified contacts, 78% were Conakry residents. At least 37% were
infected in Conakry and 44% in areas of active transmission in low Guinea region, where reticence/hostility to Ebola control
activities were reported; 49% attended unsafe funerals. The source of transmission was outside Conakry for at least 71%.
Disease duration ranged 3-13 days (peak 7 days); 59% sought for health care, mainly in private medical clinics, and in national
hospitals for 3. Reticence/hostility to Ebola control activities was reported in 44%. This study showed that ECD in Conakry
early 2015 originated mainly from helping Ebola patients or during funeral attendance in places of active transmission in
low Guinea. Gaining population cooperation appeared as a major factor for the success of Ebola control in Guinea. The high
proportion of these Ebola deceased in community who sought for healthcare raised the importance of triage reinforcement in
clinics and hospitals.

Biography

Dominique Jeannel is Head of regional office in French Institute for Public Health Surveillance at France.